KANDAL: People who visit the village festival at Wat Svay Andet during the Khmer New Year can receive their second dose or booster dose from doctors stationed right in the pagoda, just by showing their vaccination cards.

According to doctors at Sva Em District Referral Hospital and Doctor Sor Sam O stationed at the village festival at Wat Svay Andet, provincial doctors have planned to station a team of doctors at the pagoda during the Khmer New Year village festival. The doctors will act as a first aid response to prevent risks and provide immediate help if any problems occur during the program celebrations, and will also be able to administer second doses and booster doses of the Covid-19 vaccine to villagers.

Doctor Sor Sam O believes that creating this opportunity for people to get vaccinated will make it easier for people who have not yet received their second or booster doses, and who find it difficult to find or reach places to get vaccinated.

"It's a good opportunity for those who are not vaccinated yet. Some people have not been able to find a place to get vaccinated, or do not have a [convenient] place they want to get their vaccine, so this will be an opportunity for them to get their booster doses when they come to the festival," he said.

He added that visitors can get their vaccines by simply bringing and showing their vaccination card or other immunization record, the doctor will just check the date to determine whether that person can get the vaccine.

The co-founder of the village festival, Lomorpich Rithy, stressed that festival goers must bring a Covid-19 vaccination card and adhere to the standard health measures, including wearing a mask, having their temperature measured, and sanitizing their hands with alcohol.

She further stated that she believes taking the opportunity of the village festival to vaccinate people helps to promote vaccinations and to ensure both the safety and health of all those who come to celebrate at the Wat Svay Andet village festival.

She said, "If people want to get their third dose, they can come and get it just by showing their vaccination card. We took this opportunity to spread the word about Covid-19.”

It should be noted that this year's village festival will be held for three days, from 8-10 April 2022, at Wat Svay Andet, located in Ta Skor village, Sarika Keo commune, Lvea Em District, Kandal Province.

While speaking at an inauguration ceremony in Siem Reap on 4 April, Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered the Ministry of Health to increase the number of vaccination sites at various resorts and tourist locations, to allow tourists to have access to the vaccines while seeking out recreational activities, further helping to promote the national vaccination campaign.